Grown Up Movie Star

In the 2009 film 'Grown Up Movie Star,' an enticing narrative dramatically unfolds through the interconnected lives of its characters within numerous underlying subtexts. It is an edgy drama peppered with opposing elements of dysfunction, self-discovery, sexuality, and the struggles of love. Directed and written by Adriana Maggs, this acutely humorous and deeply poignant drama is brought to life by the performances of a talented cast, including Shawn Doyle, Tatiana Maslany, and Julia Kennedy.

The storyline centers around Ray (played by Shawn Doyle), an erstwhile NHL hopeful plunged into a vortex of several mid-life crises. At the beginning of the story, Ray finds himself compelled to play the role of a single father to his two daughters – a role he is woefully unprepared for. He now lives a life overshadowed by rage and regret as he’s marooned in a small rural town of Newfoundland, mere kilometers away from what could've been a prestige-filled lifestyle.

Ray's wife has run off to Hollywood to chase stardom, leaving him alone with his 15-year-old daughter, Ruby (played brilliantly by Tatiana Maslany), and a younger daughter named Rose. These three characters oscillate around each other, trying to form a semblance of a 'normal' family while struggling with their individual insecurities and desires.

At the heart of the 'Grown Up Movie Star' narrative is Ruby, whose enthralling portrayal by Maslany graces the screen with a sense of mature realism. Ruby lives in the world of teenagers – a world filled with rebellion, identity crises, and a confusing sexual awakening. Forced to deal with an absentee mother and an emotionally absent father, Ruby presents us with a layered character that encapsulates vulnerability and strength simultaneously. She harbors dreams of escaping the small town, a desire only deepened by her mother's departure. With an underlying desire to explore her own self, her foray into adulthood amid a lack of guidance presents the central tension in the story.

Shawn Doyle, as Ruby's father Ray, embodies a man unmoored by failure and resentment. His tough outer shell hides a wounded soul, grappling with feelings of inferiority and loss. He aches for the heroic image he once held in his mind, a stark contrast to the reality where he finds himself in obscurity. Here is a man fighting battles on multiple fronts - a humiliating career failure, a mishandling fatherhood, and a complex dance of his own sexuality.

The younger daughter, Rose, brilliantly played by Julia Kennedy, is another crucial character in the movie who, despite her tender age, adds a depth to the film through her innocent yet observant character. Her silence articulates several unspoken words, forming an important subtext in the movie.

One of the key themes running through 'Grown Up Movie Star' is the exploration of sexuality - of the teenage Ruby, of her father Ray, and the spaces in-between. It navigates issues societal norms and taboos in a manner that's less reliant on shock value and more on unraveling raw emotions. The remoteness of the setting acts as a metaphorical backdrop that complements the isolation of most characters as they grapple with their own personal dilemmas in their attempt to understand and be understood.

In conclusion, 'Grown Up Movie Star' is an articulate drama balancing complexity and nuance, and it serves as a stark portrayal of the contradictions of adulthood and coming-of-age in an isolated setting. The movie is a journey into the lives of these characters as they navigate the twists and turns that life throws at them. This film's strength lies in its depiction of the actors who have beautifully embodied the human spirit's vulnerability and resilience. Stunning cinematography further amplifies the narrative, making it an overall memorable cinematic experience for viewers.